Trash Tips

Prince William County Code states in Article II. STORAGE. Sec. 22-20. Containers--Required; specifications. 

(a) Each householder, commercial establishment or person having refuse shall provide himself with approved refuse containers adequate to contain the refuse generated at said establishment which accumulates between periods of removal from the premises and shall place and keep all refuse therein until disposal, except as provided in section 22-19 relating to handling rubbish. It shall be unlawful for any person to place refuse in any street, alley or any other public place, or upon private property, whether owned by him or not, unless such refuse is placed in an approved container, except that rubbish may be stored as provided in section 22-19. Trash may not accumulate outside of containers. 

(b) Refuse containers and litter receptacles shall be made of durable, watertight, rust-resistant material and shall have close-fitting lids and handles to facilitate collection. Refuse containers for residences and commercial establishments shall be of not less than ten (10) gallons nor more than forty (40) gallons in capacity. An exception can be made for size and capacity, if containers are designed to be mechanically lifted by the collection vehicle. All containers must be kept covered until removed from the premises by refuse removers or otherwise disposed of as permitted by law. 

Containers shall be kept in good repair with tight fitting lids or doors and shall be free of cracks and holes. Lids and doors shall be kept closed except when emptying. 

(c) Refuse containers shall be emptied at least once every seven (7) days or as necessary to prevent overflowing or other nuisances created by prolonged containment

"It shall be unlawful for any person to place refuse in any street, alley or other public place, or upon private property, whether owned by him or not, unless such refuse is placed in an approved container…Trash may not accumulate outside of containers…

Refuse containers shall be made of durable watertight, rust-resistant material and shall have close-fitting lids and handles to facilitate collection …Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00…each day."

Southlake residents must purchase trash cans. We recommend plastic trashcans with wheels, handles and which are easily maneuverable around townhome buildings.

Do not store trash cans, recycling bins and items (brooms, shovels, etc.) on front porches. Trash cans and recycling bins are to be stored inside rear fence areas, except on Trash Days (Monday and Thursday).

Do not place trash OR OTHER DEBRIS on common areas. Trash must be placed in front of individual homes for pickup.

Do not place or dump plantings, tree and shrubbery cuttings and debris in the common areas.  Remove all trash cans and debris behind your fences.

Bind tree cuttings in 4' lengths for trash pickup.

Contact American Disposal at 703-368-0500 to contract for your trash pick up and for special trash pickups.

Prince William Health District, Commonwealth of Virginia, has cited individual residents for placing trash out in plastic bags.

RATS FEED ON TRASH left uncontained and in plastic bags, animal feces, pet food, and wild bird food (spilled on the ground) and harbor in tall grass, firewood and lumber - The Health Dept. recommends you contain trash, pet feces and bird food; cut your grass and elevate your firewood and lumber 8-12" off the ground.